As rookie minicamps get started and teams update their rosters the NFL off-season schedule rolls on into post-draft free agency. Teams have started dipping into the pool of undrafted college prospects and then look to add a few key veterans here and there to add depth and experience. And the Cleveland Browns are no different.

In the draft the Browns got their man at quarterback in Brandon Weeden, and they also picked up their run-game workhorse in running back Trent Richardson. They also have added to their already solid defense and picked up a speedster wide receiver in Travis Benjamin. But there are still some areas of the Browns’ roster that need improvement. So with that in mind let’s look at two positions and some free agents to fill those holes.

During the draft Browns fans were satisfied with the selection of Trent Richardson as the 3rd overall selection. Then they were thrilled to land Brandon Weeden with the 22nd pick. Even when the Browns went with offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz in the 2nd round the selection made sense. But in the 3rd round when the Browns selected defensive lineman John Hughes, Browns fans went into spastic rage simultaneously all over the world. The reason for the consternation is that the Browns did not use a high pick on a wide receiver which everyone with a pulse know the Browns need. So even with a new quarterback like Weeden who has a strong arm, he still has no one to throw to. This was a team that finished 24th in the NFL in passing yards amounting only 193.1 yards a game. And the 2011 receiver corps led the league in dropped passes with 43. So the decision to go defense in the 3rd round was at the very least confusing.

The addition of rookie receiver Travis Benjamin and receiver Greg Little going into his sophomore season does give the Browns some ability to stretch the field. But one thing that the Browns receivers need is a veteran presence to help mentor these players and teach them the ins and outs. One free agent receiver that could not only teach but can still contribute is wide-out Plaxico Burress. He’s still available and after releasing former offensive guard Eric Steinbach the Browns have the cap room to sign him. Also still available is T.J. Houshmandzadeh who has the skill set to help teach, and improve the play of the Browns current receivers. However receiver is not the only place where the Browns may need help.

Another area many thought that the Browns would address is a defensive safety. The Browns lost a valuable player when Mike Adams signed with Denver. With Usama Young and T.J. Ward as the starting safeties the Browns are more than adequate. But there needs to be depth as well. Eric Hagg, James Dockery, and undrafted rookie Tashaun Gipson can all play the safety position but their experience is lacking. A player like Oshiomogho Atogwe can add another veteran who can step in if needed.

Regardless of what the Browns do I do feel that finally, a core group of players are in place. Heckert and Holmgren (Even though they sometimes cause us to scratch our heads) have done a great job of cleaning house and adding real talent. This may not be a playoff year for Cleveland, but it will be at the very least a winning season.